On March 1, 2026, the Atlanta Alphas NSBE Jr. Chapter hosted its 1st Annual Black History Oratorical Contest on the campus of Clark Atlanta University. In partnership with the Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Atlanta University Center Dual Degree Engineering Program, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) – AUC Chapter, and Atlanta Alphas NSBE Jr. leadership team, the organizations welcomed outstanding middle and high school scholars who delivered powerful speeches centered on Black innovation, leadership, and the responsibility of the next generation to shape the future. The topic, “If Thanos Were Black: The Snap That Rewrote Reality, A World Without Black Innovation,” engaged students from middle school through high school to participate in preparation workshops and compete for cash prizes for the day’s event.
During the event, organizers received an official Proclamation from Atlanta City Council, formally recognizing March 1, 2026, as “Atlanta Alphas NSBE Jr. Oratorical Contest Day” in the City of Atlanta.Dr. Christopher Herring- Ellis, Senior Director of the AUCC Institute for Dual-Degree Engineering Advancement (IDEA) and Advisor to AUC NSBE and Atlanta Alphas NSBE Jr., said, “To have the City of Atlanta affirm the importance of youth voice, academic excellence, and leadership development in this way was deeply meaningful. It signaled that this initiative is not simply a program — it is a movement. I could not be prouder of our student leaders, volunteers, parents, judges, and partners who helped bring this vision to life.”
This contest was more than a competition. It was:
• A platform for youth voice and civic engagement
• A bridge between K-12 scholars and collegiate engineering pathways
• A leadership development experience rooted in confidence and excellence
• A demonstration of what intentional mentorship produces
